MAY WILD WATCH: HOW TO REPORT A BEE SWARM

Honey bees can be spotted from spring through to autumn but as we enter the ‘swarming season’, the Jersey Beekeepers’ Association is providing advice to Islanders on what to do if they see a swarm.  ‘Swarming honey bees is a natural phenomenon at this time of year,’ explains swarm coordinator John De Carteret, from the […]

FISHING BANNED IN JERSEY’S FIRST NO-TAKE ZONE

Portelet Bay has been awarded the highest level of marine protection after it was designated a ‘no-take zone’ – the first in Jersey and only the fifth in the UK.  Under new regulations beginning in May, fishing will be banned in the bay and it will be an offence to remove any marine species from the area. […]

WHAT’S ON IN MAY

From poetry and music to horse racing and guided walks, there are lots of events happening this month, including celebrations to mark Jersey’s 77th Liberation Day on 9 May.  Sunday 1 May – May Day at The Elms  Join the National Trust for Jersey at The Elms to celebrate the ancient festival of May Day, marking the […]

NO MOW MAY: FOUR REASONS TO STOP MOWING YOUR LAWN IN MAY

Gardeners are being asked to say ‘no’ to the mow next month and instead transform their lawns into a paradise for pollinators.  While it might be tempting to give the grass the chop, letting your lawn grow can help wildlife thrive by providing a feast of nectar for bees and butterflies. It’s why the charity […]

ASIAN HORNETS: FIRST NEST OF 2022 FOUND IN JERSEY

Jersey’s first Asian hornet nest of the year was discovered earlier this month after volunteers received a callout from a local business at Longueville.  On arrival, they found a small embryonic nest (one built entirely by the queen) on the outside of the firm’s main entrance door. Local beekeeper and member of the Jersey Asian hornet […]

RETURNING SEASONAL WORKERS TO BE ENTITLED TO FREE HEALTHCARE 

Seasonal agricultural workers may soon access free healthcare on their return to the Island, after Jersey’s Minister for Health and Social Services announced he was bringing forward revised rules following a Scrutiny report into the rural economy.  Currently, seasonal workers who return year on year are not entitled to social security benefits or non-emergency healthcare […]

ECRÉHOUS SEABIRD PROTECTION STATUS COMES INTO FORCE 

New restrictions came into effect at Les Ecréhous this month after areas of the site were given special protection status to safeguard the breeding activities and nesting of wild birds. Four areas of Les Ecréhous have been designated as Areas of Special Protection under Jersey’s Wildlife Law to reduce the risk to birds from the […]

APRIL WILD WATCH: SEA PINK THRIFT 

Clusters of bright pink flowers are a beautiful sight on coastal cliffs and sand dunes around Jersey at this time of year, with thrift plants flowering from April to July.  Commonly known as ‘sea pink’ and ‘cliff clover’, this clover-like wildflower grows happily on cliffs and coastlines. A perennial herb, thrift is tolerant of poor […]

BETTER LEGAL PROTECTION FOR JERSEY’S TREES? 

Environmental groups have long called for better protection of Jersey’s trees, and now islanders can have their say before new laws are introduced in the Island.  From having a two-month notice period for tree works, to using only government-approved tree surgeons, Jersey politicians have been working on new draft legislation that they hope will improve […]

PUFFINS RETURN TO ISLAND BREEDING CLIFFS

With their colourful bills and comical gait, puffins are a much-loved bird across the British Isles. Nowhere is this more evident than Jersey, where this month islanders will be celebrating the puffins return with a new festival dedicated to the iconic bird. As its name would suggest, the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) spends most of its […]